Kids learn lifelong skills at outreach theater class

By Leslie Farrell, Patel Conservatory Publicist

Waiting in the lobby at Metropolitan Ministries, I’m struck by the happy children. Under their mothers’ observant eyes, toddlers run exuberantly back and forth in the lobby, which feels a little intimidating because of the locked entrance. As the PR person for the Patel Conservatory, I’m waiting for a Tampa Tribune reporter and photographer and appreciate the opportunity to hang out in the Met Min lobby before the theater class that brings us together. 

On this day, eight teenagers have arrived for a theater class, taught by Patel Conservatory instructor Matthew Belopavlovich. The Patel Conservatory (at the Straz Center) provides outreaches like this one, free of charge, to about 40 different non-profit organizations, including Metropolitan Ministries. 

Matthew immediately makes the teenagers comfortable by playing a seemingly silly theater game that has them laughing boisterously and jumping enthusiastically within minutes. The kids, who all live at Metropolitan Ministries, are subtly preparing for a performance, creating a challenge for Matthew who can’t be sure who will attend the class each week. Residents are allowed limited stays.

The teens interact easily with each other and it’s obvious they feel safe, comfortable and confident in this setting. They move across the floor, enjoying the experience. When asked about this class, one boy says earnestly that he knows it’s a privilege to be here. “It’s fun, something new to do and it’s a lifetime experience. Most kids don’t get the opportunity to do this,” he explains. 

Matthew teaches skills beyond the scope of theater. He wants these teens to learn skills to help them in their lives. One game involving improvisation stresses listening. He knows that whatever they do in life, the skill of listening (which is much underrated and is invaluable) will help them. 

In this classroom, there are many distractions. Unlike the Patel Conservatory classroom, which is equipped with state-of-the-art materials and devoid of distractions, this space screams “multi-purpose.” The room is cluttered with air hockey and pool tables, and lined with computers the students use after theater class. Chairs that don’t match and a variety of objects lie on and under tables. But the kids are focused and appreciative. I’m personally impressed with how well Matthew leads these teenagers and by how engaged they are. And as always, I’m grateful to Metropolitan Ministries for its role in our community.